About
Our aim is to locate missing or unknown beneficiaries to estates currently held by the Treasury Solicitor.
As family history and probate researchers with over 10 years experience, we identify and locate missing or unknown beneficiaries to estates where a person has died without leaving a valid Will, so their estate can be distributed to their next of kin.
We also provide assistance where a Will has been made but named beneficiaries cannot be located.
Next of Kin
In accordance with the Law of England and Wales, when a person dies intestate (without a Will), their assets pass to nearest living relatives in an order of entitlement.
A basic order can include spouse, children, parents, siblings, or blood relatives descended from the deceased's grandparents on either side of the family.
With a few exceptions, only blood relatives are classed as next of kin. Exceptions include spouse and adopted children.
Making a Claim
Once we are satisfied that the correct beneficiaries have been located, we ask you to enter into a contract so we can act on your behalf in submitting your claim to the Treasury Solicitor's Department.
You are not asked to undertake work or incur expenses to submit your claim. Our fee is a pre-agreed percentage of your entitlement and is only paid if you receive an inheritance.
A claim should normally be made within 12 years from date of death, although this can extend to 30 years in some cases.
The Process
Timescales vary, but most claims take around 6 to 12 months from when research begins.
The Administrator has a duty to ensure the estate is distributed lawfully once a claim is accepted. This includes any debts and taxes, and issuing final estate accounts for approval by beneficiaries.
As part of our contract, we can provide an outline family tree to beneficiaries on case completion.
Contact
Please feel free to contact Marches Research by telephone or e-mail, or arrange an appointment in person.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07855 395462